Happy 35th & 50th Birthday to Harry Potter & JK Rowling

I doubt anyone needs to be told just how popular JK Rowling's Harry Potter Series is or the phenomenal following it has acquired over the years and that following seems to just grow and grow with no intention of ever stopping. I for one cannot imagine my world without them. Its appeal is far stretching. Its become such a phenomenon its sometimes hard to fathom that all this came from one persons imagination. And what a remarkable world she has created. JK Rowling is much more than a writer she is also an incredibly charitable person dedicating much of her time and money to helping others. Shes also known to shut down a few Trolls on Twitter from time to time which lets be honest makes us love her even more.

It is a known fact in my house that if I am feeling ill or particular glum Harry Potter & The Philosophers Stone is my go to Book and Movie combination in order to lift my spirits. Much like a dementor attack requires chocolate, I require Harry Potter.

My daughter Ellen has begun her journey into the world of the books. She has always loved the Movies but now that she is feeling confident enough she has begun reading Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone for the first time. Ellen will be 11 in November and is planning a Hogwarts themed Birthday celebration. We have lots of plans and have lots of work to do in order to achieve this magical party our Pinterest Board is growing by the Day.

I joined Pottermore back in 2011 I was lucky enough to be part of the BETA and while I wouldn't spend an awful lot of time on the sight brewing potions and dueling (I'm not very good at either one) I do enjoy reading the extra content.

Ellen asked to join Pottermore a few weeks ago and as the site is very secure I decided she could. We finally got around to registering her today. When you sign up to Pottermore you go through all the usual formalities of registration as with any other site. On Pottermore you do not get to choose your name for security reasons and instead you pick from a list of 4 computer generated ones. You then get a list of things you will need for first year and off to Gringotts you go to collect your Galleons. Once you have withdrawn your loot you then head to Diagon Alley and Buy your books, cauldron, wand and animal. Your animal becomes your avatar as much like your username you cannot choose to put up a picture of yourself for security reasons.

Your wand is also special you are asked a variety of questions about yourself and based on that you are given a wand. Mines Hawthorn 11 inches with a phoenix core and is slightly yielding in-case you were wondering.

When all of this is done its off to The Great Hall to be sorted. You are greeted by a short video from JK Rowling about the im Sorting and then you answer a variety of questions and voila you are Sorted!!!!!!

My daughter was at first not impressed with the Sorting Hat as she was placed in HUFFLEPUFF.
Probably the most overlooked house at Hogwarts. It wasn't until we read further into her introduction that changed. Hufflepuffs are actually great.The just aren't boastful about it. Their dormitory and common room reminded me of a warm, comfortable and earthy Hobbit hole. Newt Scamander of the upcoming Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them movie is of Hufflepuff house. JK Rowling also has alot of love for Hufflepuff check out this video.

Hufflepuffs are very friendly and fiercely protective of their territory much like the Badger on their crest. Hufflepuff House values hard work, loyalty, patience and fair play so really when you think about it they have all the most admirable qualities of each house.